World Anti-Doping Agency Raises Cannabis Threshold for Athletes

By: Mike WhitmanMay 17, 2013

The World Anti-Doping Agency has increased the threshold required
for an athlete to test positive for cannabis use.

During a May 11 meeting, WADA’s executive committee decided to
increase the threshold level for cannabis from 15 ng/L to 150 ng/L,
significantly reducing the chances of an athlete testing positive
for out-of-competition use.

“All samples received by laboratories post May 11 will be subject
to the new threshold level,” WADA officials wrote in a news
release. “As a matter of fairness and to provide consistency, WADA
advises not to pursue cases currently in the results management
phase where the reported concentration is less than the new
threshold (150 ng/mL). Also, for any analyses conducted from May 11
onwards, laboratories are requested not to report any THC case
result below the acceptable threshold, regardless of the sample
receipt date.”

Marijuana testing has become a much-discussed topic in mixed
martial arts in the last several years. Former Strikeforce
welterweight champion and UFC title contender Nick Diaz, a
medical marijuana patient in his home state of California, has
twice tested positive for the drug in Nevada. Additionally,
competitors like Dave Herman,
Matt
Riddle and Robbie
Peralta have all seen tests flagged for marijuana use in the
last year.

Most recently, veteran lightweight Pat Healy
tested positive for the drug following his UFC 159 victory over
Jim
Miller, resulting in a 90-day suspension and the victory being
changed to a no-contest. “Bam Bam” also saw his post-fight bonus
money rescinded, which totaled $130,000.

It is currently unknown how WADA’s decision will affect the
Association of Boxing Commissions and state-by-state drug testing.
ABC President Tim Lueckenhoff could not immediately be reached for
comment.